Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is the kind of dish that draws a crowd and leaves no leftovers—trust me, I’ve seen it happen! Imagine caramelized sweet potatoes, spiced just right, roasted to perfection and paired with a dreamy, zesty chipotle mayo. It’s a match made in flavor heaven and easily one of my top-requested sides for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, Bold Flavors: Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo delivers that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and smoky in every bite.
- Seriously Simple: You only need a handful of pantry staples to create a showstopping side dish—no complicated steps or fancy equipment required.
- Crowd-Pleasing Versatility: Serve it as a snack, appetizer, or an unforgettable side for family dinners and potlucks.
- Dreamy Dipping Action: The creamy chipotle mayo is the ultimate partner for those crisp-edged sweet potato wedges—you’ll want to dunk everything in it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every piece of this recipe pulls its own delicious weight, and together they create a flavor-packed experience! From the earthy sweet potatoes and warming spices to that tangy, smoky chipotle mayo, each ingredient shines in its own way—so don’t skip a thing if you can help it.
- Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness and hearty texture form the perfect canvas for bold flavors, while those caramelized edges add irresistible appeal.
- Olive Oil: Helps the spices cling and encourages those perfectly crisp, golden edges during roasting.
- Smoked Paprika: This is where the smokiness comes from—look for Spanish smoked paprika for maximum depth.
- Chili Powder: Adds a gentle, earthy heat that pairs beautifully with sweet potatoes and balances their sugars.
- Garlic Powder: A hint of savory magic that rounds out the sweet, smoky flavors.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other flavor in the mix.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation for your chipotle mayo—use full-fat for best texture, but feel free to swap in light or vegan mayo.
- Chipotle Pepper Sauce: Brings that smoky heat and a little tang; Tabasco Chipotle or adobo sauce from chipotle peppers both work well.
- Lime Juice: Bright and zesty, it cuts through the richness of the mayo and wakes up the whole dish.
- Onion Powder: A little goes a long way toward rounding out the dip with extra savory notes.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is how they’re endlessly customizable. If you’re working with different flavors, dietary needs, or a nearly empty fridge, don’t worry—here are some easy twists to make it your own!
- Extra Spicy Kick: Add more chipotle pepper sauce or even a pinch of cayenne to the mayo for those who love serious heat.
- Herb-Forward: Toss the sweet potatoes with a little chopped fresh rosemary or thyme before roasting for a fragrant, earthy note.
- Vegan Version: Swap in your favorite plant-based mayo to keep the dip dairy- and egg-free without sacrificing creaminess or flavor.
- Change Up the Dip: Try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a tangier, lighter chipotle dip, or use sour cream for that extra lushness.
How to Make Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C). A hot oven is key for getting those sweet potatoes caramelized on the outside and buttery soft inside. While it’s heating, grab your largest baking sheet—you want enough space for the wedges to spread out and crisp up, rather than steam.
Step 2: Prep and Season the Sweet Potatoes
Peel and slice your sweet potatoes into wedges—think thick steak fries for the best combo of crispy edges and fluffy middles. Toss them in a large bowl with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Use your hands or two big spoons to make sure each wedge is glistening and perfectly coated in those spices.
Step 3: Roast to Golden Perfection
Arrange the seasoned sweet potato wedges on your baking sheet in a single layer—don’t let them pile up or they’ll steam rather than roast. Slide the tray into the hot oven and let them bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through. They’re ready when the outside is crisped and a touch charred, but the insides are meltingly tender.
Step 4: Whip Up the Chipotle Mayo
While the potatoes roast, stir together your mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust the chipotle to your spice tolerance—taste as you go until it hits the right smoky-creamy-spicy balance for you.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
When the sweet potatoes emerge golden and fragrant, let them cool for just a minute or two. Pile them high on a platter, swirl the chipotle mayo into a dipping bowl, and get ready for a side dish that’ll disappear in minutes! This is Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo at its very best—hot, fresh, and utterly addictive.
Pro Tips for Making Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
- Space for Crunch: Give those wedges breathing room on the tray! Crowding means steaming, but a single layer delivers caramelized, crispy edges every time.
- Chipotle Your Way: Chipotle pepper sauce varies by brand—start with a little, taste, and ramp up for your perfect level of smoky spice.
- Wedge Size Matters: Thicker wedges hold their shape and get beautifully crisp outside while staying fluffy in the center—shoot for about 1-inch thick at the widest point.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Both the chipotle mayo and roasted sweet potatoes reheat well, so you can prep them early for parties or busy dinners—they’re just as tasty the next day!
How to Serve Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or thinly sliced green onions right before serving—those pops of green bring color and freshness that wake up each bite. If you’re feeling a little extra, a pinch of flaky sea salt or some lime zest on top is absolute magic.
Side Dishes
Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo play so well with others! Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or burgers for a flavor-packed meal, or pair with a simple leafy salad for a plant-based feast. They also make a show-stopping addition to brunch plates or tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a casual party, try piling the wedges in a basket lined with parchment and nestle the chipotle mayo in a ramekin for dipping. For fancier occasions, arrange the potatoes in a fan or circular pattern around the bowl of mayo and garnish with sprigs of fresh herbs and wedges of lime for a vibrant, appetizing look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the sweet potatoes and chipotle mayo separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The potatoes will keep for up to 4 days, while the mayo stays fresh for about a week—perfect for quick snack attacks or meal prep.
Freezing
Roasted sweet potatoes can be frozen, though they tend to lose some crispiness. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. The chipotle mayo, however, is best made fresh, as freezing changes the texture.
Reheating
To bring Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo back to life, reheat the potatoes in a 400°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes to revive that irresistible crisp. The mayo is best served chilled or at room temperature—just give it a stir before dipping.
FAQs
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Can I use regular potatoes instead of sweet potatoes?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular potatoes like Yukon gold or russet. Just know that the flavor profile shifts a bit—still tasty, but less naturally sweet and vibrant. Adjust the spices as needed for a balanced taste.
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Is there a way to make the chipotle mayo less spicy?
Yes, just reduce the amount of chipotle pepper sauce or add extra mayo and lime juice to mellow the heat. You can also experiment with a touch of honey for sweetness if the smokiness is too bold.
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Can I air fry the sweet potatoes instead of roasting?
Definitely! Air frying creates extra crisp edges and usually takes a bit less time. Arrange the wedges in a single layer and air fry at 400°F for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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What can I substitute for chipotle pepper sauce if I can’t find it?
If you can’t find chipotle pepper sauce, try pureeing canned chipotle peppers in adobo and using a teaspoon or two of that. Smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce can also mimic the smokiness and zing in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Take it from me: Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo is one of those recipes that brings smiles, satisfied appetites, and lots of recipe requests. Try them the next time you need a side that really steals the show—you might find them stealing the spotlight at your table, too!
PrintSmoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Baking
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Smoky Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Chipotle Mayo are the perfect combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. The roasted sweet potatoes are seasoned with a smoky spice blend and served with a zesty chipotle mayo for dipping.
Ingredients
For the Sweet Potatoes:
- 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
For the Chipotle Mayo:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle pepper sauce
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Roast Sweet Potatoes: Spread sweet potato wedges on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and crispy.
- Make Chipotle Mayo: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, chipotle pepper sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Serve: Serve roasted sweet potatoes with chipotle mayo.
Prepare Sweet Potatoes: Toss sweet potato wedges with olive oil, smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Notes
- For a spicier mayo, add more chipotle pepper sauce.
- You can also air fry the sweet potatoes for a healthier option.
- Serve with your favorite protein, such as grilled chicken or steak.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 10mg